William Mathias's "Ave Rex" uses parallel fourths and fifths to evoke medieval music, and also makes extensive use of bitonality.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in Westminster Abbey on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2008.
Composer Biography
John Rutter, a prominent composer of Christmas choral music, has contributed two carols to the King's College, Cambridge canon, including "Dormi, Jesu" composed in 1999.
Cultural Impact
Christmas has been a bottomless source of inspiration for composers, encompassing themes like light in darkness, tenderness of mother and child, fulfillment of promise, and warm merriment.
Composition History
Stephen Cleobury, Director of Music at King's College, Cambridge, established a tradition of commissioning a carol every year for the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.
Composer Biography
Francis Poulenc rediscovered his faith in 1937 after the death of a close friend, leading to a series of liturgical works including his "Quatre motets pour le temps de Noël."
Compositional Technique
Robert Lucas Pearsall's arrangement of "In dulci jubilo" is considered an archetype for countless subsequent arrangements of traditional melodies for SATB choir.
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